iPhone can automatically lift a clear subject from a photo without a separate editing app. The original image stays unchanged, and iOS creates a cut-out copy you can paste, share, or save as a sticker.
This feature is called Lift Subject. It requires iOS 16 or later and an iPhone XS or newer.
Does This Affect You?
Use this if you want to separate a person, pet, food item, product, or other clear object from the background for Messages, Notes, Mail, Files, or stickers.
Lift and Copy the Subject
- Open Photos and choose the image.
- Touch and hold the main subject until it glows or lifts from the background.
- Either keep holding and drag it slightly, or lift your finger to show the menu.
- Tap Copy to place the cut-out on the clipboard.
- Paste it into Messages, Notes, Mail, or another app, or tap Share to send it directly.
Save the Cut-Out as a Sticker
- Touch and hold the subject until the cut-out menu appears.
- Tap Add Sticker.
- Open Messages, tap the apps or plus button beside the message field, and choose Stickers.
- Find the sticker in Recents, then tap it to send or drag it onto a message bubble or image.
What to Expect
Photo Quality Matters
The feature works best with a sharp subject and clear contrast. Busy backgrounds, blur, or subjects blending into the scene can produce rough edges or no lift at all.
Works Beyond Photos
The same gesture can work in Safari, Messages, Mail, Files, and Screenshots whenever iOS is displaying an image.
Live Photos and Video
Live Photos use the still frame for the cut-out. For video, pause on the frame you want before touching and holding the subject.
Original Photo Is Not Edited
Lift Subject creates a separate cut-out. It does not erase or replace the background in the original photo; use a photo editor if you need that.
Sources
- Apple Support: Lift a subject from the photo background on iPhone
- Apple Support: Use Visual Look Up on iPhone
- Apple Support: Edit photos and videos on iPhone